New Year is the perfect time to make some positive changes to your health and ‘One You’ can help you make small changes today which can have a big impact on your health. One You provides tips, tools, support and encouragement every step of the way, to help improve your health right away.

One of the tools available is the One You health quiz where you can find out your personalised score, free health tips and advice. Take the quiz now www.nhs.uk/oneyou/how-are-you-quiz/

Dr David Kelly, Chair of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and local GP said: “Making better choices today can have a huge influence on our health, and could prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease, and reduce our risk of suffering a stroke or living with dementia, disability and frailty in later life.”

Another place where you can get lifestyle help and advice is your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and use their clinical expertise, together with their practical knowledge, to advise you on minor health concerns, such as coughs, colds, aches and pains, as well as healthy eating and stopping smoking. Pharmacists can also help you decide whether you need to see another medical health professional.

Some pharmacies also offer additional services such as blood pressure testing – a simple way of checking if your blood pressure is too high or too low.

Dr Steve Ollerton, Chair, NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG and local GP said: “High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on your arteries and organs, which can increase your risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.”

Low blood pressure (hypotension) isn’t usually as serious, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some people.

A blood pressure test is the only way to find out if your blood pressure is too high or too low, because most people won’t have any obvious symptoms. Having a test is easy and could save your life.

Beverley Thornton, Pharmacist and Branch Manager at the Well Pharmacy, Heckmondwike said: “Prior to carrying out a blood pressure test, we will ask the individual some questions about themselves for example, such as whether they have any other medical conditions, or if they have a family history of stroke or high blood pressure.”

“Dependant on the outcome of the blood pressure test, we will advise the patient on lifestyle changes, whether any further action is required, such as returning to the pharmacy for another check in a month, or signposting to their GP.”